A letter to the editor regarding the article by Panjari et al.

摘要

We read with interest "Sexual Function after Breast Cancer" [1], but wondered whether the authors considered a multivariable model including age, receipt of endocrine therapy and chemotherapy, vasomotor symptoms, and body image as independent variables, to determine their independent associations with sexual functioning problems? This model would directly compare sexual functioning problems among patients receiving tamoxifen, aro-matase inhibitors (AT), and no form of endocrine therapy. Multi-variable models examining independent effects of these variables on sexual functioning problems would have provided stronger support for their claims than the simple comparisons reported. Moreover, their study was limited by the lack of a comparison group of same-aged women without breast cancer. Vasomotor symptoms experienced by breast cancer patients receiving endocrine therapy may be more severe than menopausal symptoms reported by same-aged women without breast cancer.